The streak is finally over for the Clippers after a franchise-record 17 consecutive victories. The Clippers will try to avoid making it back-to-back losses when they visit the surging Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. Los Angeles shot 38.5 percent in a 92-78 setback at Denver on Tuesday, snapping not only the winning streak but a stretch of five straight games with 100 or more points. The Warriors have won three straight and beat the Clippers earlier this season.

The streak had to end at some point, and after a close call in its last road game, Los Angeles finally let one slip away while failing to reach even 20 points in three of the four quarters against the Nuggets. A constant during the streak was the team defense, which still was on display Tuesday even without the offense around to provide the spark. That defense will get another test from Golden State, which will force Blake Griffin to be more active in guarding David Lee while Chris Paul chases Stephen Curry around the perimeter.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (25-7): Nobody scored more than 12 points in the loss to the Nuggets, and Los Angeles went 5-for-29 from 3-point range and just 13-for-29 from the free-throw line. The 78 points marked a season low for the Clippers, who dropped to 10-4 on the road. Los Angeles displayed a remarkable balance during its winning streak, leaning on the bench for scoring at times and getting things done on both ends of the floor. The Clippers held 14 of their opponents under the century mark during the streak. Los Angeles dropped a 114-110 decision at home to the Warriors on Nov. 3. Paul scored 27 points in a hotly contested matchup that saw seven different players get called for technical fouls.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (21-10): With all the success the Clippers have had early and the constant circus surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State's hot start in the Pacific Division has not gotten the attention it deserves. The Warriors have won three straight and are coming off a dominating performance against the Boston Celtics on Saturday. Curry led the way with 22 points and Lee had 20 as Golden State shot 52.1 percent. What may have been more impressive was the defense, which limited the Celtics to 36 percent shooting in the 101-83 triumph. The Warriors have held each of their last three opponents under 90 points and have surrendered less than 100 in eight of their last nine wins.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Golden State finished December with a 12-4 mark to reach 20 wins before Jan. 1 for the first time since 1980.

2. Curry and Carl Landry each scored 23 points to lead the Warriors in the Nov. 3 meeting. Golden State has taken three of the last four in the all-time series.

3. Los Angeles was the 15 th team in NBA history to record a perfect month by going 16-0 in December.